“We were hoping for 450 young people but have now received nominations for 700.

“It is going to give us an interesting problem on the night.

“It is fantastic that the people of Oxfordshire are keen to recognise the achievements of young people.

“The evening will be a tremendous occasion and in addition to the awards, we shall be showcasing the best of Oxfordshire youth talent.”

This will include 11 performances from singers, dancers and even circus performers.

He added: “The event promises to be very special for all involved.”

Promoted stories

Previous winners of the Youth Awards met at Bury Knowle Coach House in Headington on Monday to decide this year’s results.

Categories are for Arts Superstar, Sports Achievement, Community Champion, Pride of Oxfordshire, Inspirational Entrepreneur, Young Einstein of the Year and Youth Project of the Year.

Didcot Girls’ School pupil Courtney Hughes, 16, who won the Volunteer Award last year helped to draw up the shortlist.

Her volunteering efforts included collecting 650 presents for East Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House and homes for the elderly.

She said: “I was proud of winning the award and hopefully inspiring other teenagers to do something for the community. This is a charity project I will do every year and hopefully branch out to other counties to encourage other teens to get involved.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here